The digital world is ever-evolving – many people are spending more time on their mobile devices than ever. Knowing and being where your clients are can give you an edge over your competitors.
It doesn’t matter whether your business has been operating for several years or you are just starting – having a mobile application can drastically improve your online visibility.
You don’t have to be a software engineer to have a mobile app for your business. All you have to do is hire a reliable and dedicated app developer.
In case the app involves a lot of work, it would be appropriate to hire a company that deals with mobile app development.
Whichever direction you will choose, it is important to know why you need the mobile app and how it will accomplish your objective. Even if you don’t know how to make an app, you should make it clear to the developer what you want.
Below are some of the things to consider while developing your mobile app:
1. Budget
The first question that you should seek to answer before anything is – how much does it cost to make an app? That should be your starting point. Why is because your budget is what will determine how your mobile app will look like – in terms of user-interface, features, experience, and other details.
Another thing that will determine the cost of your app is the intended use. For instance, if your app requires a sophisticated interface and many features, then the cost of developing it will likely be higher.
The average cost of developing a mobile app ranges from $15,00 to $100,000. Various individuals and app development companies charge differently. It would be good to have a list of developers and compare their prices.
2. Market research
This is also an important factor to consider while developing a mobile app for your business. Conducting market research will help you in understanding various things such as existing competition, user preferences, and also curve in your target audience.
Besides that, market research will also give more insight into what features to include in the app.
3. Platform
Android and iOS are the main platforms for apps. Although Android has more users, iOS is considered more secure and commonly used in The United States.
If your budget is flexible, then it would be advisable to have your app developed on both platforms.
Otherwise, the best option will be a platform that has many users. Most experts recommend businesses to have their apps on both platforms – that way you will be able to net in every potential user.
4. Intended audience
Your app will have a higher chance to succeed if you have a targeted audience. In other words, your app should be built in a certain demographic of people in line with your business.
Besides, the place where your app will be launched matters a lot. For example, if you intend to launch your app in the United States, then it should be on both the iOS and Android platforms.
Similarly, if your app is intended for children, then it should have more illustrations than words.
5. Design and User Interface
Your interface and design should be in such a way that people with basic computer knowledge can understand and use it.
The UI/UX is the pixel that determines the success or failure of your mobile app. As such, it is important to know the difference between user experience and user interface.
In general, there are several things that you should consider while developing your mobile app. If you are not doing it by yourself, then you should work hand in hand with your app developer to ensure that everything you want is implemented.
To unlock the largest of benefits and profits, businesses are continuously increasing their focus on mobile app marketing for better sales and monetization through the app.
For any product to create a buzz in the technology business space, features, shout outs and appeals in credible magazines, internet resources can help a great deal.
But all-around social media coverage means that you are focusing on social media platforms where the majority user base overlaps with potential, most probable customers.
Experiential Marketing, Humane Content Creation
Creating friendly content and highly relatable user stories is one of the most effective ways of drawing customer attention towards your mobile app and blowing the much-needed hype.
When a mobile product is effectively publicized, people are bound to turn off with queries and opportunities to gain effective UX.
Check the guide to successful analysis of mobile app needs and features.
Here are some benefits that you can yield from the solution on the whole.
Savvy businesses are aware that having a web presence of their business is not enough to remain competitive in the market. If you are not leveraging on mobile app, then you will be leaving a lot of money and opportunity on the table. According to statistics, 80% of the internet users own a smartphone and more than 25% consumers use a branded app for mobile research. They prefer to access the internet through their mobile devices. So, for all the business owners out there, it is time to create an app for your business so that your consumers can easily get connected over their hand devices and reach out to you for the services or products.
But what does this mean for the mobile app developers? More work and more projects in iOS, Android and mobile web? But there are few other things that you should also be prepared for. Today, business owners are moving to mobile. So, be ready to answer their questions during the interview with the hiring manager.
Here are some questions that they might put up before you before they hire you to develop your app.
Can you show some examples of mobile apps that you have created?
While facing clients looking for mobile app development partnership, mobile developers should come prepared to show their past work as well as some ongoing projects because this will indicate what you can contribute to the clients in case they hire you. The customers will always try to get an idea of what you have developed in the past and try to determine the technologies that you have worked on. Your work will also help them judge your skill set and experience and help them take a decision whether you are the best or not.
A thorough study of the portfolio will act as the best guide for understanding the quality of work that you provide. Repeat clients, result based facts and figures also reveal the real picture that will help to gain trust.
What are your core services?
Mobile app developers are the ones who are responsible for creating the app from the scratch and deliver it to the customers. The client company might ask you about your core services just to know whether you offer a full package to complete all processes from offering business analysis to developing modern and high quality app. You should be prepared to answer them and show your expertise in delivering customized projects that require working with modern app development frameworks and tools.
What is your app development process?
It is important to know about how the service providers will operate in the most crucial time. It is important for you to remain prepared about your development process and the strategies that you will adopt in case some unexpected problems arise. Be prepared to explain the methodologies that you would follow while building the application. This will help to gain reliability and also respond to any challenges that can be produced during the development process. Business owners usually prefer to choose agile development as it is a better approach and helps to make essential changes even during the development process.
What is your checklist for testing an app before launch?
Mobile app developers are responsible for creating the app from the scratch and delivering it to the customers. Your client may ask you about your app testing approach before the final release. Are you responsible only for creating an app or would you perform a comprehensive testing to confirm any errors or bugs in it? Anticipate these questions and prepare your answers as a test will require large beta groups, app updates, bug fixes and also the submission process to get the app into the store. Showing complete awareness of the entire process will help to impress your client as a dedicated mobile app developer.
Do you have any rewards, recognition or client references?
Any reliable mobile company will be able to show some awards and recognitions by top ranking organizations, magazines or media. Look out if your developers and designers have been credited anywhere on the internet and also ask your clients to share their views and recommendations on social media or YouTube. You can use the client's testimonials to prove your credibility and also give their references so that your clients can directly take a feedback from them.
What is your preferred communication means during the app development process?
Since app development requires good collaboration between the client and the team, your client may want to know the means of communication with the developers and project managers throughout the development process. Be prepared and be very clear about your work style and communication means and how you will update your client about the work proceedings. If you prefer video conferencing meetings or emails, make sure to convey the preferences to your client so that they can be well prepared to work with you.
How do you calculate the app pricing?
Since making a business mobile app is a big investment and you cannot usually overlook the expenses, it is important to plan your budget beforehand. Your customer may ask you about the time and money that they will have to spend on the mobile app. So, make them understand the billing procedure and any other extra claims that you might charge while creating the app. Don't overprice and be alert of all the expenses and maintain a proper invoice for each assignment.
The desire to start working with new clients on their app is understandable, but keep in mind that developing an app is a lengthy process and it is very important to gain the trust of your client regarding reputation, reliability and credibility. It is only then that you will be able to capture a wider market and enjoy growth in your business.
